Chemical method and composition for promoting adhesion and preventing road cracking

ABSTRACT

A method for increased adhesion and prevention of pavement cracking by subsurface application of a composition comprising a synthetic fluid or base oil, a pour point depressant, a binder, and various combinations thereof.

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent Ser. No. 14/052,203,filed on Oct. 11, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No.13/680,518, filed on Nov. 19, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser.No. 13/185,821, filed on Jul. 19, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,313,668,which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 12/696,550, filed Jan. 29,2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,048,333, which claims priority to aprovisional patent application filed Jan. 29, 2009, entitled CHEMICALMETHOD FOR SOIL IMPROVEMENT IN COLD REGIONS, having Ser. No. 61/148,216,and to a provisional patent application filed Jan. 25, 2010, entitled ACHEMICAL METHOD FOR SOIL IMPROVEMENT, having Ser. No. 61/297,843, all ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This invention relates to a method of promoting adhesion and preventionagainst pavement cracking utilizing synthetic fluids and othernon-synthetic base oils and various combinations of polyolefins,carboxylic acids, pour point depressants, and esters.

2. Background

Billions of dollars are spent annually in the U.S. for requiredmaintenance of paved roadways. These repairs are often necessitated bypavement cracking or deterioration. Pavement distress, such as holes andcracks, represent a significant engineering and economic concern.Surface tension from traffic, expansion and contraction of the pavementas temperatures increase and decrease, drying out of the surroundingearth and other environmental factors decrease the strength of thepavement and contribute to the occurrence of cracking Furthermore, oncecracked, water can infiltrate the cracks causing further deteriorationof the pavement.

Damaged paved surfaces are commonly repaired by overlaying a new surfacelayer of pavement. However, many times, after repeated resurfacing, newcracks form directly over the old cracks in what is known as reflectivecracking. In such cases, complete resurfacing may be necessary, which isextremely costly. As a result, many pavement reinforcement methods andmaterials have been tried to reduce the incidence of cracking.

In order to reduce the incidence of pavement cracking, plasticizers,commonly phthalate esters of straight-chain and branched alkyl alcohols,or superplasticizers, such as sodium gluconate naphthalene formaldehydeand other sulphonic groups, have traditionally been added to asphalt andconcrete mixtures to decrease the water content and increase thefluidity of pavement suspensions. However, one disadvantage of the useof such plasticizers and superplasticizers in solution is that too higha degree of ductility results in rutting in the surface of the pavement.In addition, many phthalate plasticizers have notable toxicity andnegative ecological effects. A further disadvantage in usingplasticizers in this manner is that the nature and amount of plasticizerneeded can vary widely depending on geographic location, trafficdensity, and temperature conditions.

To prevent rutting in the pavement surface, reinforcing fibers have beenadded to pavement suspensions to increase strength and durability.Addition of such reinforcing fibers may result in negative effects bydecreasing the workability of the pavement composition. Such workabilityissues require unnecessary cost additives.

Still further, crack resistant coatings have been applied to pavementsurfaces. However, these coatings, while increasing the resistance tohigh vertical and horizontal movements and high shear stresses on thesurface, still cracking occurs when pavement hardens from aging to thepoint that it cannot relieve the expansion and contraction stress causedby changes in temperature. Furthermore, surface coatings do not protectagainst deterioration caused by sublayer ground moisture.

Thus, although there have been many attempts to provide a pavement withincreased resistance to cracking, there is need for a product whichprovides subsurface waterproofing, is environmentally friendly and actsas a plasticizer to increase the ductility of pavement without affectingthe composition of the pavement suspension, allowing the pavement enoughflexibility to handle stress induced by surface tension, temperaturechanges and other environmental factors while maintaining its strengthand durability.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, one of the main objectives and advantages of our inventionis improved plasticity in cured pavement. In addition, our inventionprovides additional benefits over traditional methods used to preventpavement cracking. It remains active over long periods of time resultingin delayed pavement hardening, is insoluble in water resisting wetconditions and contains no electrolytes thus inhibits corrosion.Furthermore, the chemical agents used are formulated from safe aliphaticand cyclic organic compositions.

The present invention relates to a heterogeneous mixture produced byblending aliphatic or cyclic organic compositions with carboxylic acidsof chemical structure R—COOH and applied in a manner to promote adhesionto the underlying base of the pavement. The aliphatic and cycliccompositions act as plasticizers and carriers for the carboxylic acids.When applied, the plasticized carboxylic acid provides a durable,reworkable binder that associates with the surface particles on the baseof the pavement, after the pavement has been applied to the base. Thechemical agent is manufactured and applied using conventional mixing andapplied using conventional construction equipment.

The present invention also encompasses a heterogeneous mixture producedby blending aliphatic or cyclic organic compositions with polyolefins ofchemical structure CnH2n or R—C2nH3n, applied as base in a manner topromote adhesion to the underlying base of the pavement. The aliphaticand cyclic compositions act as plasticizers and carriers for thepolyolefin to adhere to the surface of the base of the pavement. Theplasticized polyolefin provides a durable, reworkable binder thatassociates with the surface particles on the base of the pavement. Thechemical agent is manufactured and applied using conventional mixing andapplied using conventional construction equipment.

The present invention also incorporates a pour point depressant.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from aconsideration of the ensuing description.

DEFINITIONS

Adhesion—the tendency of certain dissimilar molecules to cling togetherdue to attractive forces.

Agglomeration—the process of particle size enlargement in which small,fine particles (such as dusts or powders) are gathered into largermasses, clusters, pellets, or briquettes for use as end products or insecondary processing steps.

Binder—additives to the material being agglomerated that produce bondingstrength in the final product.

Bonding—the forces of cohesion between particles, as in agglomeratebonding or bonding strength.

Carboxylic Acid—an organic acids characterized by the presence of acarboxyl group, which has the formula —C(═O)OH, usually written —COOH or—CO₂H. Carboxylic acids are Brønsted-Lowry acids—they are proton donors.

Clustering—loose bonding of particles by pendular and funicular bridgesin the presence of moisture.

Cohesion—the intermolecular attraction between like-molecules.

Hydrocracking—the elimination of aromatics and polar compounds achievedby chemically reacting the feedstock with hydrogen, in the presence of acatalyst, at high temperatures and pressures.

Hydroisomerization—The isomerization of alkane hydrocarbons via anintermediate alkene.

Lipophilic Fluid—a fluid having an affinity for, tending to combinewith, or capable of dissolving in lipids.

Olefin—an unsaturated chemical compound containing at least onecarbon-to-carbon double bond (also called an alkene with the generalformula C_(n)H_(2n)).

Polyolefin—a polymer produced from a simple olefin as a monomer.

Pour Point Depressant—Pour point depressants (also known as PPDs) arepolymers that are designed to control wax crystal formation inlubricants resulting in lower pour point and improved low temperatureflow performance.

Road Surface—durable surface material (asphalt, concrete, or compositeof asphalt and concrete) laid down on an area intended to sustainvehicular or foot traffic, such as a road or walkway.

Synthetic isoalkane—A synthetic alkane with a branched chain whosenext-to-last carbon atom is bonded to a single methyl group.

Viscosity Index Improver—a chemical component that increases theviscosity index (a measure for the change of kinematic viscosity withtemperature).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

At least one embodiment of the invention is set forth in the followingdescription and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forthin the appended claims.

In one embodiment of the present invention utilizes a composition forpromoting adhesion to pavement surface particles and preventing pavementcracking The liquid agent is comprised of a synthetic fluid incombination with a pour point depressant in colder temperatures. By“synthetic” it is meant a substance, pure or a mixture, which hasundergone at least one major chemical transformation (reaction) in itsmanufacture or processing. A simple physical separation, purification,or transformation (i.e. freezing or boiling) does not constitute a majorchemical reaction. In one embodiment, the pour point depressant ischosen from acrylic, acrylic copolymer, polymethacrylate, ethylene vinylacetate copolymers, vinyl acetate olefin copolymers, alkyl esters ofstyrene-maleic anhydride copolymers, alkyl esters of unsaturatedcarboxylic acids, polyalkylacrylates, alkyl phenols, alpha olefincopolymers, and polyakyl methacrylate. Adhesion of the synthetic fluidand pour point depressant with the surface particles of pavement willincrease the pavement bearing strength while maintaining a degree offlexibility. The improvements in pavement plasticity can be achieved incold weather environments at temperatures well below the freezing pointof water. Typically, in warmer climates this soil improvement isaccomplished by the use of water. This invention has the benefit overtraditional methods by virtue of its ability to disperse among andadhere to surface particles of the pavement base rather than mixedthroughout. It also remains in situ, gaining strength due to the waterproofing ability, protection against freeze thaw, frost heave, andpavement adhesion characteristics of the chemical composition. In oneembodiment of the invention, the synthetic fluid is about 98% to about99.9% by weight (including, but not limited to, 98.0, 98.1, 98.2, 98.3,98.4, 98.5, 98.6, 98.7, 98.8, 98.9, 99.0, 99.1, 99.2, 99.3, 99.4, 99.5,99.6, 99.7, 99.8, and 99.9) and the pour point depressant is about 0.01%to about 2% by weight (including, but not limited to, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03,0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15,0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.26, 0.27,0.28, 0.29, 0.30, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.34, 0.35, 0.36, 0.37, 0.38, 0.39,0.40, 0.41, 0.42, 0.43, 0.44, 0.45, 0.46, 0.47, 0.48, 0.49, 0.50, 0.51,0.52, 0.53, 0.54, 0.55, 0.56, 0.57, 0.58, 0.59, 0.60, 0.61, 0.62, 0.63,0.64, 0.65, 0.66, 0.67, 0.68, 0.69, 0.70, 0.71, 0.72, 0.73, 0.74, 0.75,0.76, 0.77, 0.78, 0.79, 0.80, 0.81, 0.82, 0.83, 0.84, 0.85, 0.86, 0.87,0.88, 0.89, 0.90, 0.91, 0.92, 0.93, 0.94, 0.95, 0.96, 0.97, 0.98, 0.99,1.00, 1.01, 1.02, 1.03, 1.04, 1.05, 1.06, 1.07, 1.08, 1.09, 1.10, 1.11,1.12, 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19, 1.20, 1.21, 1.22, 1.23,1.24, 1.25, 1.26, 1.27, 1.28, 1.29, 1.30, 1.31, 1.32, 1.33, 1.34, 1.35,1.36, 1.37, 1.38, 1.39, 1.40, 1.41, 1.42, 1.43, 1.44, 1.45, 1.46, 1.47,1.48, 1.49, 1.51, 1.50, 1.52, 1.53, 1.54, 1.55, 1.56, 1.57, 1.58, 1.59,1.60, 1.61, 1.62, 1.63, 1.64, 1.65, 1.66, 1.67, 1.68, 1.69, 1.70, 1.71,1.72, 1.73, 1.74, 1.75, 1.76, 1.77, 1.78, 1.79, 1.80, 1.81, 1.82, 1.83,1.84, 1.85, 1.86, 1.87, 1.88, 1.89, 1.90, 1.91, 1.92, 1.93, 1.94, 1.95,1.96, 1.97, 1.98, 1.99, and 2.00). In another embodiment, the syntheticfluid is between about 80% to about 95% by weight (including, but notlimited to, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94,and 95), the pour point depressant is between about 0.1% to about 0.9%by weight (including, but not limited to, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6,0.7, 0.8, and 0.9), and a polyolefin is between about 5% to about 20% byweight (including, but not limited to, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20. In one embodiment, the composition is aparaffin-based, hydrophobic, liquid material that can be applied attemperatures down to at least −40° F. (−40° C.). The composition bindssurface particles of pavement, making it water repellant while enablingincreased plasticity. The composition is continuously active, thereforefacilitating long-term strength and durability of pavement.

In another embodiment, the present invention utilizes a composition forpromoting adhesion to pavement surface particles and preventing pavementcracking The pavement improvement agent is comprised of a syntheticfluid that meets EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards foroffshore drilling, in combination with a pour point depressant for usein colder regions. In this embodiment the synthetic fluid is defined asa fluid that meets the EPA standards for offshore drilling, includingthe static sheer requirement, the sediment requirement, the polyaromatichydrocarbon requirement, and the toxicity requirement. In oneembodiment, the pour point depressant is chosen from acrylic, acryliccopolymer, polymethacrylate, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, vinylacetate olefin copolymers, alkyl esters of styrene-maleic anhydridecopolymers, alky esters of unsaturated carboxylic acids,polyalkylacrylates, alkyl phenols, alpha olefin copolymers, and polyakylmethacrylate. Adhesion of the synthetic fluid and pour point depressantwith the surface particles of pavement will increase the pavementbearing strength while maintaining a degree of flexibility. Theimprovements in pavement plasticity can be achieved in cold weatherenvironments at temperatures well below the freezing point of water.Typically, in warmer climates this soil improvement is accomplished bythe use of water. This invention has the benefit over traditionalmethods by virtue of its ability to disperse among and adhere to surfaceparticles of the pavement base rather than mixed throughout. It alsoremains in situ, gaining strength due to the water proofing ability,protection against freeze thaw, frost heave, and pavement adhesioncharacteristics of the chemical composition. In one embodiment of theinvention, the synthetic fluid is about 98% to about 99.9% by weight(including, but not limited to, 98.0, 98.1, 98.2, 98.3, 98.4, 98.5,98.6, 98.7, 98.8, 98.9, 99.0, 99.1, 99.2, 99.3, 99.4, 99.5, 99.6, 99.7,99.8, and 99.9) and the pour point depressant is about 0.01% to about 2%by weight (including, but not limited to, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05,0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17,0.18, 0.19, 0.20, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.26, 0.27, 0.28, 0.29,0.30, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.34, 0.35, 0.36, 0.37, 0.38, 0.39, 0.40, 0.41,0.42, 0.43, 0.44, 0.45, 0.46, 0.47, 0.48, 0.49, 0.50, 0.51, 0.52, 0.53,0.54, 0.55, 0.56, 0.57, 0.58, 0.59, 0.60, 0.61, 0.62, 0.63, 0.64, 0.65,0.66, 0.67, 0.68, 0.69, 0.70, 0.71, 0.72, 0.73, 0.74, 0.75, 0.76, 0.77,0.78, 0.79, 0.80, 0.81, 0.82, 0.83, 0.84, 0.85, 0.86, 0.87, 0.88, 0.89,0.90, 0.91, 0.92, 0.93, 0.94, 0.95, 0.96, 0.97, 0.98, 0.99, 1.00, 1.01,1.02, 1.03, 1.04, 1.05, 1.06, 1.07, 1.08, 1.09, 1.10, 1.11, 1.12, 1.13,1.14, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19, 1.20, 1.21, 1.22, 1.23, 1.24, 1.25,1.26, 1.27, 1.28, 1.29, 1.30, 1.31, 1.32, 1.33, 1.34, 1.35, 1.36, 1.37,1.38, 1.39, 1.40, 1.41, 1.42, 1.43, 1.44, 1.45, 1.46, 1.47, 1.48, 1.49,1.51, 1.50, 1.52, 1.53, 1.54, 1.55, 1.56, 1.57, 1.58, 1.59, 1.60, 1.61,1.62, 1.63, 1.64, 1.65, 1.66, 1.67, 1.68, 1.69, 1.70, 1.71, 1.72, 1.73,1.74, 1.75, 1.76, 1.77, 1.78, 1.79, 1.80, 1.81, 1.82, 1.83, 1.84, 1.85,1.86, 1.87, 1.88, 1.89, 1.90, 1.91, 1.92, 1.93, 1.94, 1.95, 1.96, 1.97,1.98, 1.99, and 2.00). In another embodiment, the synthetic fluid isbetween about 80% to about 95% by weight (including, but not limited to,80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95), thepour point depressant is between about 0.1% to about 0.9% by weight(including, but not limited to, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8,and 0.9), and a polyolefin is between about 5% to about 20% by weight(including, but not limited to, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,16, 17, 18, 19, and 20. In one embodiment, the application of the soilimprovement composition does not require any water. The composition is aparaffin-based, hydrophobic, liquid material that can be applied attemperatures down to at least −40° F. (−40° C.). The composition bindssurface particles of pavement, making it water repellant while enablingincreased plasticity. The composition is continuously active, thereforefacilitating long-term strength and durability of pavement.

In another embodiment, the composition is a synthetic fluid, which inone embodiment is severely hydrotreated synthetic isoalkane and binder,which in one embodiment is polyolefin. The synthetic fluid can bebetween about 50% to about 95% by weight (which includes, but is notlimited to 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64,65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82,83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95) in thisembodiment and the binder can be between about 5% and about 50% byweight (which includes, but is not limited to 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30,31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48,49, and 50).

In another embodiment, synthetic fluid is combined with a pour pointdepressant and a thermoplastic polyolefin compound including:polyisobutylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutenes, polyisoprene,and their copolymers. In another embodiment, the synthetic fluid can becombined with the polyisobutylene without the pour point depressant. Itis also to be understood that a binder can be added to any of theembodiments as well. In yet another embodiment, synthetic fluid iscombined with pitch rosin blend. Pitch rosin operates as a binder. Inall of the above embodiments, the synthetic fluid can be syntheticisoalkane, having an unsaturated hydrocarbon content of less that 1%, asaturate percentage of greater than 99% (although it is to be understoodthat the saturate percentage can also be 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97,98, or 99%), is either a synthetic or semi-synthetic hydrocarbon, iseither a hydrotreated synthetic isoalkane, a hydrocracked syntheticisoalkane, or a hydroisomerized synthetic isoalkane, has a viscosity ofat least about 19 centistokes @68° F., a flame point greater than about266° F., and has a flash point of about 350° F. The synthetic fluidcombined with polyisobutylene helps give even distribution of the load.

In another embodiment, the composition is a base oil, which in oneembodiment is severely hydrotreated synthetic isoalkane and binder,which in one embodiment is polyolefin. The base oil can be between about50% to about 95% by weight (which includes, but is not limited to 50,51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68,69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86,87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95) in this embodiment and thebinder can be between about 5% and about 50% by weight (which includes,but is not limited to 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36,37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, and 50).

In another embodiment, base oil is combined with a pour point depressantand a thermoplastic polyolefin compound including: polyisobutylene,polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutenes, polyisoprene, and theircopolymers. In another embodiment, the base oil can be combined with thepolyisobutylene without the pour point depressant. It is also to beunderstood that a binder can be added to any of the embodiments as well.In yet another embodiment, base oil is combined with pitch. In all ofthe above embodiments, the base oil can be synthetic isoalkane, havingan unsaturated hydrocarbon content of less than 1%, a saturatepercentage of greater than 99% (although it is to be understood that thesaturate percentage can also be 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, or99%), is either a synthetic or semi-synthetic hydrocarbon, is either ahydrotreated synthetic isoalkane, a hydrocracked synthetic isoalkane, ora hydroisomerized synthetic isoalkane, has a viscosity of at least about19 centistokes @68° F. (20° C.) , a flame point greater than about 266°F. (130° C.), and has a flash point of about 350° F. (177° C.). The baseoil combined with polyisobutylene helps give even distribution of theload.

There are five specific categories of base oils. These categories definethe type of base stock the oil is formulated from. The categories are asfollows. Note that the base oil group category is followed by themanufacturing method (in bold print) and then a description of the oilcharacteristics for each category.

Group I—Solvent Freezing: Group 1 base oils are the least refined of allthe groups. They are usually a mix of different hydrocarbon chains withlittle or no uniformity. While some automotive oils on the market useGroup I stocks, they are generally used in less demanding applications.

Group II—Hydro Processing and Refining: Group II base oils are common inmineral based motor oils currently available on the market. They havefair to good performance in lubricating properties such as volatility,oxidative stability and flash/fire points. They have only fairperformance in areas such as pour point, cold crank viscosity andextreme pressure wear.

Group III—Hydro processing and Refining: Group III base oils aresubjected to the highest level of mineral oil refining of the base oilgroups. Although they are not chemically engineered, they offer goodperformance in a wide range of attributes as well as good molecularuniformity and stability. They are commonly mixed with additives andmarketed as synthetic or semi-synthetic products. Group III base oilshave become more common in America in the last decade.

Group IV—Chemical Reactions: Group IV base oils are chemicallyengineered synthetic base stocks. Polyalphaolefins (PAOs) are a commonexample of a synthetic base stock. Synthetics, when combined withadditives, offer excellent performance over a wide range of lubricatingproperties. They have very stable chemical compositions and highlyuniform molecular chains. Group IV base oils are becoming more common insynthetic and synthetic-blend products for automotive and industrialapplications.

Group V—As Indicated: Group V base oils are used primarily in thecreation of oil additives. Esters and polyolesters are both common GroupV base oils used in the formulation of oil additives. Group V oils aregenerally not used as base oils themselves, but add beneficialproperties to other base oils.

In some embodiments, the invention consists of aliphatic and cyclicorganic compositions utilized as plasticizers and carriers that areblended with materials composed primarily of carboxylic acids andapplied in a manner to produce improved levels of pavement durabilitythrough adhesion to the pavement subsurface and increasing thesubsurface plasticity while increasing the pavement strength.

A novel and unexpected result occurs when carboxylic acids are blendedwith aliphatic or cyclic organic plasticizers and carriers. These blendsare processed into either heterogeneous mixtures or emulsions thatapplied to soil, aggregate, or mineral provide high levels of longlasting dust control and stabilization. The invention exhibitstremendous moisture resistance, reworkability, working life, while beingnoncorrosive and nonhazardous.

Aliphatic organic compositions refers to saturated and unsaturatedhydrocarbons derived from petroleum, coal, or synthetic manufacturingincluding paraffins or alkanes, olefins, alkenes, and alkadienes.Alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, andcarbohydrates. The invention, in some embodiments, is comprised of 0% to95% by weight (which includes, but is not limited to 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24,25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42,43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60,61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78,79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95)of these compositions.

Cyclic organic compositions refer to alicyclic hydrocarbons,cycloparaffins, cycloolefins, cycloacetylenes, aromatic hydrocarbons,heterocyclics, and any combinations of aliphatic and cyclic structuressuch as terpenes, amino acids, proteins and nucleic acids. Theinvention, in some embodiments, is comprised of 0% to 95% by weight(which includes, but is not limited to 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46,47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64,65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82,83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95) of thesecompositions.

Carboxylic acid refers to any substance whose major constituents aresaturated or unsaturated fatty acids and their esters derived fromanimal or vegetable fat or oil; and vegetable derived resins or rosinacids, all represented chemically R—COOH. The invention is comprised 5%to 70% by weight (which includes, but is not limited to 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27,28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45,46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63,64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, and 70) of these substances.

Plasticizer refers to organic compositions added to carboxylic acids tofacilitate processing and increase the flexibility and durability of thefinal product.

Carrier refers to any organic compositions in which carboxylic acids aremiscible in and serve as a vehicle to aid in the dispersion and adhesionof plasticized carboxylic acids onto the sub-surface particles of thepavement.

Heterogeneous mixtures refer to mixtures or solutions comprised of twoor more substances, whether or not they are uniformly dispersed.

Emulsions refer to mixtures of two or more immiscible liquids held insuspension by small percentages of emulsifiers. Emulsifiers can beprotein or carbohydrate polymers or long-chained alcohols and fattyacids. The emulsions can either be oil-in-water or water-in-oilcontinuous phase mixtures.

The invention is manufactured using conventional manufacturingequipment. Conventional mixers, emulsifiers, or colloid mills areutilized to blend these components into stable heterogeneous mixers oremulsions.

Application of the chemical agent is also accomplished by the use ofconventional spray equipment. The agent is gravity fed or pumped throughhoses, spray nozzles, or fixed sprayers and evenly applied to the soilor material to be treated. Motor-graders, asphalt grinders, mixers, pugmills, compactors, rollers, and other conventional constructionequipment may be utilized to blend, set grade, and compact stabilizedbase if desired.

Once applied and pavement is overlayed on top of the composition, theliquid adheres to the pavement surface where two mechanisms contributeto the effect of increased pavement durability. The first is adhesion ofmolecules to the subsurface particles of pavement. The adhesion of themolecules contributes to dispersement of the pavement particles,increasing the pavement's subsurface plasticity, allowing the pavementincreased flexibility to withstand expansion and contraction due totemperature changes.

The second mechanism is produced by the plasticized higher polymericcarboxylic acids which act as binders, in the embodiments in whichbinders are incorporated. The fatty acids and resins bind particles intoa tightly cohesive base when subjected to compactive forces. Theplasticized fatty acids and resins remain active even through severe wetweather and mechanical disturbances from heavy vehicles and high volumetraffic. Our invention displays a unique and unexpected ability to berecompacted into a tightly cohesive base when disturbed, dramaticallyextending the working life of the chemical agents. In embodiments usingsynthetic isoalkane, the isoalkane can provide both cohesive andadhesive effects. In embodiments with esters, the ester can provide bothcohesive and adhesive effects.

In some of the embodiments, the composition consists of aliphatic andcyclic organic compositions utilized as plasticizers and carriers thatare blended with materials composed primarily of thermoplasticpolyolefin compositions and applied in a manner to produce improvedpavement durability.

A novel and unexpected result occurs when polyolefin compositions areblended with aliphatic or cyclic organic plasticizers and carriers.These blends are processed into either heterogeneous mixtures oremulsions that when applied beneath pavement suspensions and emulsionsprovides for adhesion of the mixture with subsurface pavement particles,increasing the plasticity of the pavement, while supplying basestrength, and thus increased pavement durability. The invention exhibitstremendous moisture resistance, reworkability, working life, while beingnoncorrosive and nonhazardous.

Thermoplastic polyolefin composition refers to any substance derivedfrom olefins with chemical structure C_(n)H_(2n) or R—C_(2n)H_(3n),including polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutenes, polyisobutylenes,polyisoprene, and their copolymers. The invention, in some embodiments,is comprised of 2% to 90% by weight (which includes, but is not limitedto 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38,39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56,57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74,75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, and 90) ofthese substances.

In a separate embodiment from the previous definition of “synthetic,”the definition of “synthetic” includes the fluid meeting the EPA staticsheen requirement, the sediment requirement, the polyaromatichydrocarbon requirement, and the toxicity requirements.

In one embodiment, wherein the synthetic fluid is a synthetic isoalkane,the synthetic isoalkane acts as a plasticizer, and the syntheticisoalkane is the only plasticizer. It is to be understood that this ismerely one embodiment of the invention, however. In another embodimentof the invention, which can be combined with other embodiments, thecomposition is essentially devoid of hydrocarbons. In one embodiment,the synthetic isoalkane has a saturate percentage greater than 99%.

In another embodiment, the composition consists essentially of asynthetic fluid and a pour point depressant. In another embodiment thecomposition consists essentially of a synthetic fluid and a binder. Inanother embodiment the composition consists essentially of a base oiland polyisobutylene.

Although the description above contains much specificity, these shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merelyproviding illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodimentsof this invention. Various other embodiments and ramifications arepossible within its scope. For example, several different types ofsubstances rich in polyolefins are available as drop-in replacements tothose tested, as well as numerous aliphatic and cyclic organiccompositions.

The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness ofunderstanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understoodtherefrom, for modification will become obvious to those skilled in theart upon reading this disclosure and may be made upon departing from thespirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly,this invention is not intended to be limited by the specificexemplifications presented hereinabove. Rather, what is intended to becovered is within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

The invention has been described with reference to several embodiments.Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon areading and understanding of the specification. It is intended byapplicant to include all such modifications and alterations insofar asthey come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalentsthereof.

Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:
 1. A method for increased adhesion and prevention of pavement cracking by subsurface application of a composition, the method comprising the steps of: applying the composition as a road pavement base, the composition comprising: a synthetic fluid; and, a binder, wherein after curing, the portion of the pavement in contact with the composition maintains flexibility.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the synthetic fluid is synthetic isoalkane, and the synthetic isoalkane is about 50% to about 99.9% by weight of a mixture of the synthetic isoalkane and the binder.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the binder is chosen from the group comprising a carboxylic acid, an ester, and a thermoplastic polyolefin.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises: a pour point depressant, wherein the pour point depressant is chosen from the group comprising acrylic, acrylic copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl acetate olefin copolymers, alkyl esters of styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers, alkyl esters of unsaturated carboxylic acids, polyalkylacrylates, alkyl phenols, alpha olefin copolymers, polymethylacrylate, and polyalkylmethacrylate.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the synthetic fluid meets EPA standards for offshore drilling.
 6. A method for increased adhesion and prevention of pavement cracking by subsurface application of a composition, the method comprising the steps of: applying the composition as a road pavement base, the composition comprising: a synthetic fluid; and, a pour point depressant, wherein after curing, the portion of the pavement in contact with the composition maintains flexibility.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the synthetic fluid is synthetic isoalkane and the synthetic isoalkane is about 80% to about 95% by weight of a mixture of the synthetic isoalkane and pour point depressant.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the pour point depressant is chosen from the group comprising acrylic, acrylic copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl acetate olefin copolymers, alkyl esters of styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers, alkyl esters of unsaturated carboxylic acids, polyalkylacrylates, alkyl phenols, alpha olefin copolymers, polymethylacrylate, and polyalkylmethacrylate.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the composition further comprises: a binder, wherein the binder is chosen from the group comprising a carboxylic acid, an ester, and a thermoplastic polyolefin.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the composition further comprises an emulsifier.
 11. The method of claim 6, wherein the synthetic fluid meets EPA standards for offshore drilling.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the composition further comprises a second binder, wherein the second binder is chosen from the group comprising a carboxylic acid, an ester, and a thermoplastic polyolefin. 13-19. (canceled) 